Read Time: 3 min 35 sec
─────── January 10, 2026 ───────
Happy Saturday!
The U.S.’s capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro prompted lots of questions about international law: What is it? Who makes it? How is it enforced? Today, we're breaking it down in simple terms.
If you need to catch up on the Maduro story, we summarized it in Decaf this week—check it out here. And if you have an idea for what you want us to explain next week, let us know that here.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The Church is the one institution that exists for those outside it.”
William Tyndale
BREWING QUESTIONS
WHAT YOU’RE ASKING
What is international law?
International law is a set of rules that countries agree to follow so they can exist together in a peaceful and orderly fashion… You know, like toddlers in the back seat!
Think playground rules, but for nations.
These rules help manage issues such as war, borders, trade, diplomacy, international waters, space, and human rights, and they provide countries with a way to settle disputes without resorting to violence.
Where does international law come from?
A mix of written rules… and some vibes. There are four main sources:
Conventions/Treaties: Written agreements between states that create binding legal obligations (e.g., Geneva Convention, which protects prisoners during war)
Rulings from International Courts (e.g., the International Criminal Court)
Customary International Law: Widely accepted rules that aren’t written but form when countries consistently behave the same way (e.g., diplomatic immunity, which was eventually codified in 1961)
General Principles of Law: Basic legal ideas common across many national systems that are assumed true in international law (e.g., agreements must be kept)
Countries are only bound by the treaties they choose to sign and the orders of the courts they choose to recognize, but the more basic norms (e.g., no genocide) apply to everyone.
Who enforces it?
No one… and everyone?
While there are international courts to clarify the laws and judge, there is no international police force. So, if a country breaks an international law, it’s up to other countries to pressure compliance through “countermeasures” (think: sanctions). This means that enforcement is slow, imperfect, and unevenly applied.
For many international laws, enforcement just isn't necessary, as they provide non-controversial, common standards—like navigation and communication protocols for ships and planes—that everyone benefits from obeying.
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Verse to consider whether you’re untangling the intricacies of international law, or are just glad you finally untangled those charging cords… “From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective.… In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us.”
2 Corinthians 5:16, 19-20 (CSB) (read full passage)
Want to hear more about international law, including how the U.S. arrest of Nicolás Maduro fits in? Listen to today’s episode of the TPO Explains podcast to hear us dig a little deeper!
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HOUSE BLEND
WHAT YOU’LL ENJOY
Can you identify the mystery country?
Learning how to create your own fantasy world map…
Getting your protein in. Founded by TPO Reader Gil Y., FORALL makes deliciously flavorless protein powder and protein water… without any additives or junk. Sneak some protein into just about anything you’re already eating or drinking!
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WHAT YOU’VE BEAN CLICKING…
Top News Resource: This infographic showing which childhood vaccines are no longer universally recommended.
Top Christian Perspective: A reminder from Hebrews 13 that no matter the circumstance, Christians should seek to give generously of their time, talents, and resources to those in greater need. (Download the verse as a wallpaper here!)
Top Whipped Cream: This poem about a llama that still has us chuckling, tbh.
TAKE IT TO GO
WHAT WE’RE RECOMMENDING
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WHAT WE’RE PRAYING
A prayer for Venezuela:
Good Father, comfort the Venezuelan and Cuban families who lost loved ones in last week’s raid. Protect service members who will be sent into this conflict, and shelter the people of Venezuela through regime change. Shield Venezuelans from those who would exploit their vulnerability; install a leader who will seek their good before his or her own; and establish durable peace.
Prince of Peace, when our earthly home is stable and when it’s not, we call to mind our citizenship in heaven and hasten the coming of Your kingdom of peace. Equip us to be winsome ambassadors for that kingdom, formed by suffering into people of endurance, character, and unfailing hope.
This prayer is an excerpt from our new Sunday newsletter, Praying the News. For more reflection and a prayer for Venezuela in your inbox tomorrow, subscribe for free here.
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